EUROPEAN MUSEUM NIGHT 2026 AT THE SAMOGITIAN MUSEUM “ALKA”

On 23 May 2026, the Samogitian Museum “Alka” invites visitors to the European Museum Night events in Telšiai and Varniai. During the evening, the museum’s branches will host guided tours, educational activities, and musical experiences, inviting visitors to discover history, cultural heritage, and museum spaces in a unique nighttime atmosphere.

All branches of the Samogitian Museum “Alka” will be open to visitors until 10:00 PM.

The European Museum Night initiative is coordinated by the French Ministry of Culture and supported by UNESCO, the Council of Europe, and ICOM France.

TELŠIAI YESHIVA
Iždinės St. 11, Telšiai

7:00 PM – Guided tour “Portrait of a Telšiai Yeshiva Student”

During the tour, visitors will learn about the daily life, traditions, and strict discipline of Telšiai Yeshiva students. The guide will share stories about the legendary “hopke,” student life, and historical rivalries with students from the Slabodka (Vilijampolė) Yeshiva.

HISTORICAL EXPOSITION
Muziejaus St. 31, Telšiai

8:30 PM – Museum Night tour and exploration of museum storage secrets

During this special evening tour, visitors will have a rare opportunity to explore behind the scenes of the museum and visit storage areas where museum collections and exhibits, usually inaccessible to the public, are preserved.

SAMOGITIAN COUNTRYSIDE MUSEUM
Malūno St. 5, Telšiai

9:00 PM – Evening by the bonfire: songs from the water

Visitors will enjoy a cozy evening by the bonfire and pond. Songs performed from a boat floating on the water will create a unique atmosphere, inviting guests to relax and experience music surrounded by nature.

MUSEUM OF THE SAMOGITIAN DIOCESE
S. Daukanto St. 6, Varniai

8:30 PM – Educational activity “Cvangu langu dūšia dongun”

During the educational activity, participants will learn about the history of bells, their significance in everyday life, and the unique history of the Varniai bell foundry, including its activities and closure.

After the guided presentation, visitors will climb the bell tower to closely observe four bronze bells and listen to their sound. The practical part of the activity – making bell-shaped magnets – will take place in the museum tower space.

We invite you to spend the European Museum Night together with the Samogitian Museum “Alka”!

Updated: 2026-05-12